It’s not always easy getting dressed for work, especially since dress codes are starting to trend more towards casual than professional. You used to wake up, put on a suit or dress (and stockings of course!), and head out the door.

Now, it’s much more complicated.

What does business casual mean? How can I wear jeans without looking sloppy?

The answers to these questions aren’t simple and can’t be contained in just one blog post. However, I hope to provide you some ideas and insight that will make your morning ‘getting ready for work’ routine a little bit better.

Keeping your work wardrobe to just neutral colors with one or two signature colors makes dressing easy AND it looks sophisticated. I call that a win-win.

You can never go wrong with a button down blouse and a pair of pants. Tuck in the shirt and add a belt for a professional look.

Tip #1: Know your dress code. Every company has their own dress code. If you don’t know the dress code for your workplace, ask your Human Resources professional. This will help provide a clear yes and no to what you can and can’t wear.

Jackets make everything look more polished- and are a must on jean Fridays (they balance out the informality of jeans and still keep you looking like the pro you are).

Tip #2: Know what looks good on your body shape. If you are a pear shape (have wider hips/booty and a smaller bust/shoulder area) then you will tend to look better in darker bottoms. Knowing what flatters your body shape will help make shopping and putting outfits together easier. Find out your body shape and how to dress for it here.

Invest in a few dresses that are flattering and professional. I have found that Calvin Klein (available at most department stores) dresses look great on most body shapes. They are also easy to wear with heels (if you want to dress things up) or flats (for a more casual look).

Tip #3: I get dressed in under 3 minutes every day. How? I have a special formula I use that is now second nature to me. By mentally going through the formula when I get ready, I don’t have to think twice about what I’m doing (which is good, because there’s only so much thinking I’m capable of that early in the morning!) Keep scrolling to get the free webinar and start saving time in the mornings.

What’s the hardest part about picking out work outfits for you? Comment below and I’ll write a blog post about it!

If you’re anything like me, your instagram feed is clogged with intimate ads from what feels like a new company each day who is trying to claim a piece of the 11 billion dollar intimate industry pie (according to Transperancy Market Research).

For years, it was really just Victoria’s Secret and department stores. Now, there’s Adore me, Lively, ThirdLove, True & Co., and HarperWilde just to name a few.

These are mostly online based companies which means you can’t actually try the undergarments on…which leaves me wondering: Can these companies lure in new buyers with only claims like, “the most comfortable bra you’ll ever own” and “a better fitting brat- no measuring required”?

Curious, I decided to see for myself. I purchased comparable bras from two of the biggest new online intimate retailers: ThirdLove and Lively.

Here’s my official review.

ThirdLove (yes, technically it’s all one word)

I chose ThirdLove because they were the brand that I kept seeing the most often. I can’t even imagine how much money they have spent on everything from ads to free bras for Instagram influencers. So, I decided to drink the Kool-aid and see if the products really lived up to the hype.

The claim: “Insanely comfortable bras, designed to fit perfectly”. They cater to all different sizes and shapes.

What I bought: I took the fit quiz and was recommended the 24/7 Classic T-Shirt Bra. I was looking for a classic t-shirt bra, so they pretty much nailed that.

Shipping: I paid $4.99 for shipping. I received a shipping confirmation the same day I ordered and received the package a few days later.

Pros: This is probably the only bra that’s actually really fit- thanks to the half sizing. In most B cups, there’s just a little bit of room. This little pocket of air isn’t visible with most bras, but you can feel it if you push down on the cup of the bra. Now granted, no one is actually poking my bra and would know or care, but it’s worth noting. The ThirdLove bra is the first bra I’ve worn that’s literally flush with my skin. Another huge plus is that this bra comes in 9 different skin tone colors as opposed to Lively’s 3 (two of which I will argue could actually be skin tones).

Cons: This bra wasn’t cheap. I think it’s reasonably priced for a well-fitting everyday bra, but it still seems expensive when compared to companies like Lively.

Meh: The straps aren’t flat, so I have to be careful about wearing tight-fitting clothing or the little ridges will show through. I’ve never had a problem with straps falling down, so I can’t really say ThirdLove is any better or worse than other bra brands. I’m also not sure I would call it the most comfortable bra I’ve ever worn. It is comfortable for an underwire bra, but I’m not exactly forgetting its presence.

Total Cost: The bra was $68. After the $4.99 shipping, the total was $72.

Lively

ThirdLove was the obvious first choice of brand to compare (because of all the advertising dollars they spend) but the second choice was harder. There were several other companies I could have chosen like True&Co. or Adore Me. In the end, I chose Lively because True&Co’s staple bra is so fugly I can’t even and Lively was more popular than Adore Me (thus probably more helpful to you).

Shipping: Unlike ThirdLove, shipping was free, but the order also took about a week to arrive. It was the perfect Catch 22 for a millennial addicted to Amazon Prime and free two-day shipping: should I pay more and have it ship sooner or pay nothing and have it ship later?

Pros: I didn’t think that ThirdLove was priced badly until I realized that I could buy two Lively bras for less than one ThirdLove bra. Also- I’m the type of person that likes pretty underwear, even if I’m the only one that’s going to see it. With that said, I really appreciated the subtle pretty details on the Lively bras. I also liked that it was everything I needed and nothing more (but wasn’t totally hideous).

Cons: You remember that little gap I mentioned in the ThirdLove review? It totally exists with the Lively bras because I went up to a B instead of going down to an A. If I decide to buy another bra, I may see what the difference is between an A and B cup fit. This gap doesn’t bother me (note: the top of the bra isn’t gaping- hence why you can’t see it unless you touch it) but I am listing it as a con. Also- Lively offers fewer skin tone colors than ThirdLove. The bra I bought only came in almond (aka: general pale white person), grey (hopefully no one’s skin tone), and jet black (dark African skin tone).

Total Cost: Two bras came at a discount of $27.50 a piece. Because I didn’t pay shipping, my total was a flat $55 for both bras. Looking back now, I also think I had a $10 off coupon as the price is usually 2 bras for $60.

The Final Result?

I would recommend ThirdLove if you have a hard to fit size or are looking for any skin color past average white girl and Lively if you need a great bra at a good price. Overall, I think Lively wins (for me!) because it offers a greater selection of bras, is reasonably priced, and is equally comfortable to its competitors. These factors, for me, outweigh a little longer shipping time and a slight gap in the cup fit. I’m glad I bought both brands, however, and I get good use out of all the bras I purchased!

Then there’s the honorable mention that I didn’t even expect: the second Lively bra I bought. It was the All Day Deep V No Underwire situation and you want to talk about comfortable…oh mah geees. Now that is a bra I could wear everyday. It has just the right amount of structure, support, and lack of wire that is the perfect mix between comfort and professional.

It feels like only a few months ago that I was writing a blog post on how to dress in hot weather.

I live in Northeast Georgia where the humidity combines with high temperatures in the summer to create a sort of permanent outdoor steam room. In the winter, though, we may dip down to freezing a few times and scatter some snowflakes every three years for the fun of it.

I feel incredibly lucky that I don’t live somewhere cold currently, but seen that side of the weather spectrum too.

Surviving in negative 40-degree weather in Upstate New York is one thing. Looking fashionable in said icebox is a whole other thing.

I’ve had the privilege of living everywhere from New York to Arizona and quite a few places in between (helloooo Iowa!) Most of these places were cold as an iceberg during the winter and, much against my will, this Georgia girl learned how to dress for the winter- and dress well.

Here are the top tips I learned from working in the fashion industry in unbearably cold places:

1. Just one coat won’t cut it

Living in the South, you can get away with having one or two coats: one navy peacoat for casual settings and/or a fitted black coat for more formal affairs. Try having two coats somewhere cold and it’s like bringing one bathing suit on a three-month cruise. Outerwear is basically innerwear. I know innerwear isn’t a word, but you get the idea. You basically need almost as many coats and bulky sweaters. Your new innerwear outerwear isn’t just keeping you warm, it’s a vital part of your outfit.

Coats are a lot like shoes- you need a basic black pair, a practical pair, a fun pair, a serious pair…you get the idea. If you find coats to be rather boring, you’re in luck. This year is all about the statement coat…and they are everywhere at all price points. I recommend splurging on your daily classic pieces (psst. here are 20 classic pieces every woman needs in her wardrobe) and then spending less on a few fun statement coats like these:

2. Hosiery isn’t dead

Sometimes I feel like the only millennial that wears hosiery, but I’m totally okay with that. Why? Because my legs are way warmer than your legs. Seriously though. Don’t underestimate the magic of tights. Most tights these days are quite comfortable and they can add a little extra to any outfit. You’d be surprised how much warmer a pair of strategically layered tights (think: under your jeans!) is than your normal work ensemble. Here are some of my favorite outfits styled with tights.

3. Choose your fabrics wisely

Here’s something fun to think about: One wool sweater can be warmer than 2 cotton ones. Why? The nature of the fabric. Different fabrics are better (or worse) at helping your body regulate it’s temperature and stay warm. In the hot weather blog post, I wrote about which fabrics work best for hot weather…this time the tables are turned. Here are the best fabrics for staying warm:

4. Layer away!

I’m not going to lie, layering is tricky. Sloppy layering can make you look like a homeless vagabond while strategic layering can make you look like an Olsen twin. What’s worse is that layering is essential especially in today’s workplace. In the overly temperature controlled boxes we work in, the office may feel like Bermuda while it’s blizzarding just outside the window. How does one even begin to dress for that sort of situation…let alone dress well? The answer is layering. Being able to peel off layers and still look work appropriate (and fashionable!) is a skill that anyone can master. Here’s a whole blog post on my magic formula for creating the perfect layers.

There’s something about clothing this time of year that is just…entrancing. I’m not sure if it’s the glitter and shine or the extra details (bows, lace, and sequins Oh my!) that suck us in or the general fury of spending money.

Not only do you have so many more shiny and pretty clothes to buy this time of year, but you actually have a reason to wear them: holiday parties. Whether it’s a work party, Christmas or Channukah party, or New Year’s Party- you have a legit excuse to go shopping.

Between all the glittery options and the valid reasons to sport said glittery options, we sometimes get a little out of control and don’t make the best decisions. Have you ever bought a dress that ‘was totally not you’ just because you felt like you needed to wear sequins on New Years? Or what about that red shiny sweater you wore once before you realized you don’t even look good in red?

It happens to the best of us. My goal this year is that it doesn’t happen to you- at least when it comes to wearing clothes that look good on your body shape.

I’m going to go through the top 5 body shapes (not sure which one you are? Take the quiz here) and give you Holiday outfit ideas that will not only look great on you but also look good long after the Holiday buzz has worn off.

Enjoy.

Pear:

Pears have wider bottom halves (hips and booty), a defined waist, and a smaller top half. The best outfits and accessories for pears accentuate their top halves. That means statement jewelry and eye-catching tops are your best friends.

Rectangle

Rectangles usually have equal width hips, waist, and shoulders resulting in a straight up and down athletic look. Rectangle shapes are wonderful for maximalists because they can get away with things like full skirts, puffy sleeves, and glitter galore.

Hourglass

Hourglass shapes have a smaller, defined waist and equal width shoulders and hips. Because they are so amazingly curvy, they need to stay away from loose, sack styles. This is a great time to show off those curves, so choose more bodycon silhouettes.

Inverted Triangle

Inverted triangles have wider shoulders and more narrow hips and waist. The best outfits for inverted triangles are the ones that bring all the attention to their bottom halves. Full skirts, fun pants, and statement shoes are all great options.

Apple

Apples usually have undefined waists that are wider than their hips and shoulders. Apples usually have killer legs and a great decolletage. For these reasons, they’ll want to find clothing and accessories that accent their legs and neck area rather than their middle. Apples usually look really great in wrap blouses and dresses.

Did you know? I have a full e-course that is dedicated to helping you figure out exactly what looks great on you! It’s called the Ultimate #STYLE Course, and you might just want to add this to your Holiday Gift List. More info here.

White boots: arguably the most popular and terrifying trend to try this Fall/Winter/Next Spring and Summer.

The popular part you get; white boots are all over blogs, style mavens, and *gasp* even some brave ‘average’ people. Terrifying might need a bit more of an explanation.

Some trends are easy to pick up and run with. One such example of this is plaid. (In fact, I did a whole post on plaid outfits for every age- from Target!) White boots, on the other hand, are a bit more daunting. What should you wear them with? What should you NOT wear them with? How does this work with the whole ‘don’t wear white after labor day’ rule? (Hint: that’s a rule you buck in this case)

There are questions, I know. But I’m here to give you my top tips on wearing white boots and maybe even give you enough inspiration to go out and try your hand (foot?) at this season’s biggest footwear fetish.

Tip 1: Don’t put away your cropped pants just yet.

It’s not every season that you get to wear a pair of stunning white boots (they were last really in style in the ’60s!!) so you might as well show them off!

Tip #2: Keep the rest of your outfit simple.

If you’re worried about pulling off the white boot look, the biggest advice I can give you is to keep it simple. You know those basics every woman should have in her closet? This is where they pay off big time. If you pair the boots with neutral solids (or even classic prints like this plaid), you can’t go wrong.

Tip #3: Don’t be afraid to spice it up.

If you’re feeling a little more daring, try adding a statement coat (another big trend for Fall) or channeling the ’60s with a modern mini-dress.

One of the things I love most about the white boot trend is how perfectly it is going to go right into spring and summer. If you’ve been around here long, you know I don’t like to wear anything just once (not even my wedding dress!) and this trend will probably be around for a few seasons.

Have you bought a pair of white boots? How do you wear them? Tell me in the comments!

You don’t have to have a million dollars to look like you do! Here are 10 quick tips to have you looking your best…for just $10 or less.

1, Wear clothes that fit. You wouldn’t believe how much of a difference this makes- and how many people wear ill fitting clothing. Wearing clothing that fits your body shape is incredibly important and sometimes that means getting clothing altered. (Not sure what your body shape is? Take the quiz here) Many men’s stores will hem pants for free and do other alterations for minimal cost. Nice department store might also offer this service. Going to a tailor to bring in a button down shirt will cost around $15 while changing hemlines averages around $10. If you know someone who sews, they might be willing to do it for free or for an exchange (did anyone say wine?) Cost= $0+ depending on the alteration.

2. Be picky when you’re buying second hand. You can save a lot of dough by buying clothing and accessories second hand, but beware of purchasing items that look too rough. Make sure that you actually love the items you are about to purchase and that you aren’t just buying them because ‘they are so cheap!’ Garments still need to fit and be a flattering shape and color. (Hint: here are the top 20 basic garments every woman needs in her wardrobe- plus the perfect fit for your body shape) They should also be in good condition. Pretend like you’re in a high end store where everything is $500 plus. Would you buy the same thing in that situation? This will prevent you from having a closet full (cha-ching!) of mediocre clothes that look okay on you. Cost= $10 or less for second hand clothes.

3. Fill in your eyebrows. As we women get older, we often lose our hair (sorry guys, who didn’t know this), which is why thick locks are a sign of youth. Filling in your eyebrows is one of those changes that can make you look younger without being blatantly obvious. Make sure you choose the right pencil for your hair color and, if you are in a beauty store like Ulta, ask one of the salespeople to teach you how to use it. Cost= Eyebrow pencils on Ulta.com ranged from $1.99-$24. Want more tips on how to dress your age? Here’s how to dress in your 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, and 60s (coming soon!)

4. Improve your sleeping habits. Sleep looks good on everyone, and it’s free (Win-win? I think so) The biggest enemy of good sleep is your cell phone. Avoid looking at your phone (or any other screen) one hour prior to sleeping. I also use the ‘do not disturb (silence except for emergency numbers that I dictate) until my next alarm’ feature. Even if you don’t realize that your phone is glowing and beeping all night long, your REM cycle might. Getting a couple of extra Z’s will improve your complexion and save you money on cucumbers (or all those costly cremes and cover-ups). Cost= FREE!

5. Tuck in your shirt. My husband works in a factory setting and this tip works just as perfectly for factory workers as it does for top level executives. Why? Well, tucking in a shirt creates a waist (or any body definition) where there was none which looks better on any body shape. It also looks more pulled together and generally less sloppy. You didn’t just throw on a pair of pants and a shirt, you carefully manipulated your clothing to look more professional. Watch how much of a difference it makes here. Cost= 10 seconds.

6. Take care of your shoes and/or handbags. I have a friend who cleans her shoes off after every wear. It doesn’t matter if they were $300 or $3, she simply takes a clean cloth and wipes them down before putting them in back into her closet. The result is that she always looks polished and sharp, not to mention her shoes last forever. We may be able to fake a million dollar look, but shoes and handbags usually rat us out by looking slightly tattered. If you’re like me and don’t have time to daily clean your shoes, try doing it once a week while you watch tv or talk to a friend. Cost= FREE!

7. Exercise. Another freebie that makes a big difference. When you look at people in upper class society, you’ll see that they look more healthy than their lower socio-economic counterparts. Additionally, clothes look and fit their best when the wearer is at a healthy weight for their body type. You can blame cheap fast food, expensive gym membership access, or a multitude of other things on why this rich/poor healthy/unhealthy paradox exists…or you could do something about your own body. Planning out your meals will save you money, calories, and time. Parking further from your destination, getting off the bus a stop early, or going on an evening after dinner stroll in your neighborhood are all simple ways to start living a healthier life. Cost= FREE + a little time.

8. Learn how to barter. You may not have the financial resources it takes to buy the best clothes and purchase the best haircuts, but you might have something else. Think about what talents or services you provide and then use those to barter for what you want. Maybe you are great at social media. Ask a local salon who’s struggling with their online presence whether you can help them with their social media in exchange for haircuts/colors. This usually works best with friends and acquaintances. Just make sure that you are good at the service you’re offering and that you follow through on your end of the deal. Cost= FREE (or the cost of your services). Here are some quick tips on bartering from RealSimple.com.

9. Straighten up. Standing up straight can visually make you look 5 lbs lighter and years younger! There’s nothing more aging than a hunching posture. Look at any wealthy business person and you will see someone who carries himself or herself (upright!) with confidence. Practice sitting up straight while at your desk, typing, or even browsing your phone. Cost= FREE

10. Break out the blush. Our cheeks naturally flush when we are excited or aroused. This almost always reads positively by the person viewing you, because they subconsciously connect your excitability to being with them. Luckily, all it takes to fake this effect is to throw on some blush. A little bit of blush will immediately make you look fresh, vibrant, and youthful. Cost= $2.99+ from your local drugstore.

11. Choose colors that flatter your skin tone. Everyone has a certain color or set of colors that really bring out their best features. Work on identifying your colors (I dedicated a whole lesson to this in my e-course: The Ultimate #STYLE Guide!) and then start wearing them! Cost= nothing if you have clothing in your ‘good’ colors. If you don’t? Try buying a scarf. It’s a lot cheaper than buying a whole new shirt and you can pair it with items you already have.

12. Smile. I know it sounds cheesy, but have you ever hung out with someone who has a resting bitch face? Even if they’re saying nice, friendly things it’s hard to not think that they are constantly judging you, or are unhappy about hanging out with you, or are just plain uninterested. Cost = some face exercises.

13. Discover the many uses of coconut oil. Coconut oil is incredible. It will make your hair shiny and strong, your skin smooth as a baby’s butt, and your teeth several shades whiter…to name a few. Beauty gurus have been touting the positive beauty affects of coconut oil for years! Check out a whole list of things you can do with the magical stuff here. Cost = $7.99 usually for a jar.

Above all, remember to take control of the things you can, and don’t worry about the things you can’t! Money can’t buy attitude, manners, kindness, or presence.

Layering clothes– it’s what makes an okay outfit an amazing outfit. It’s where personality and creativity take off.

But it isn’t always easy.

If basic outfits are simple 1+1=2 arithmetic, then the art of layering is algebra. There are formulas and ways to solve for x and make a great outfit, but you have to know them (by instinct or learning). With that said, I would argue layering is considerably more fun than algebra.

Here’s your general formula for layering clothes:

Base garment + accent garment(s) + accessories = layered outfit.

Your base garment is the simplest version of your outfit and basically whatever is needed to keep you decent. In the below example, the base garment is jeans and a t-shirt. Nothing fancy, just a top and bottom so you don’t get in trouble for public indecency. There are 20 pieces of clothing that I consider base (aka the basics) garments and are the ultimate foundation for any wardrobe.

Your accent garment or garments (for the more seasoned layerer- not a word, but stick with me) consists of any extra pieces of clothing that you are wearing aside from the base garment. This could be anything from a cardigan to a vest or even a blouse. Accent garments are a great way to incorporate trends into your outfit. Check out the top 8 trends of Fall 2018 here.

Your accessories are the sprinkles on the cake. They fill in ‘visual holes’ (places on your outfit where you need more visual interest) and add the last little bit of personality.

Here’s the formula at work:

The basic jeans and t-shirt above layers various garments to create three very different outfit ideas. Some of these outfit examples are more casual and some are more dressed up. See if you can identify each part of the formula: base garments + accents garment + accessories.

It’s also important to note that it is easiest when the formula goes in that order: base + accent + accessory. Most people have trouble visualizing an entire outfit all pulled together. However, most everyone can add pieces one at a time (something I talk about in this free webinar). Even if you have to take off part of your base layer (like a dress) to add an accent garment (like a blouse), it’s still mentally easier to put the outfit together in the order of the formula.

That brings us to my next very important point. Layering can be done OVER or UNDER (or sometimes both!)

We usually think of layering in terms of putting a cardigan or blazer over a shirt. We are not wrong to think that but, but we are wrong to assume that that is the only way to layer! Putting a blouse under a dress is layering. Putting pants under a mini dress (thus making it a tunic!) is layering. Putting a dress under a pair of pants is layering. It may not all look good, but don’t limit yourself! Some of the best outfits are made by thinking out of the box.

Look at how this dress (as well as the example above) is layered both over and under.

Here we see one outfit that is layered under (the blouse is under the dress) and two that are layered over (the sweater and blazer). Just like the jeans and t-shirt example, the formula applied to this little black dress completely transforms the whole outfit.

There really is no rule to how many pieces you can layer, so have fun experimenting and deciding what works best for you! Everyone has a unique style (Not sure what yours is? Take the Style quiz here!) and layering is a great way to show it off!

Careers have stabilized, nests are emptied, and the body is doing whatever it feels like (goodbye, eyesight). Welcome to your 50’s.

If you didn’t take time to yourself in your 40’s, then you might find yourself in a style rut, looking frumpy and out of date. Not to worry- it’s never too late to show yourself some love. Start with choosing wardrobe basics that look great on your body type. Set time aside to improve your health and your appearance (this could include anything from walking with friends to doing hair masks). You’ve spent most of your adult life taking care of someone or something else- now it’s time for you.

If you were nice to yourself in your 40’s (good for you!) then you are well set up to confront the many changes your lifestyle and body has in store for you during this decade.

Here are my top 3 tips for dressing in your 50’s:

Decide how you’re going to age

There’s no denying it, a lot of changes in your appearance will start happening in your 50’s. Whether it’s graying hair, a widening middle (thanks, Menopause!), or extra lines on your face, you are really starting to look different than previous years. This doesn’t have to be a bad thing, though! It really all comes down to attitude. Do you want to fall down the proverbial hill or enjoy the view?

You’ve heard the phrase ‘aging gracefully’, right? Well, it’s totally up to you as to HOW you age. Are you going to age gracefully (whatever that means for you)? Are you going to fight the aging process? Are you going to let time do its thing why you sit back and watch things unfold? The good news is: there is no wrong answer. Whether you let your hair go gray or load up on botox, the choice is yours.

Crossing the threshold of 50 is a great reason to take a step back and review your life. Are you happy with the person you’ve been for the last 50 years? What kind of person do you want to be for the next 50? This last question will dictate, not only how you decide to age, but also what you wear going forth. Maybe it means taking some risks, maybe it means prioritizing comfort, or maybe it means staying true to what you’ve done all along.

Your appearance isn’t just fun and games (although it should be fun! see tip #2), it’s a form of communication. The 50’s are a great time to think about what you’re communicating through your appearance and what you plan on communicating as you get older.

Have some fun

No matter what kind of person you want to be for the next 50 years, there is one thing that I encourage everyone to embrace on some level: FUN.

At this point, you’re comfortable in your skin, you know what you like, and you know where you want to go. If there’s any time to try something new, it’s now. Is there something you’ve always wanted to try, but didn’t have the confidence (like wearing white booties)? Or maybe, you’re just bored of the clothes you already have and want to spice it up a little, while still staying true to you. Even if you’re totally happy with your current wardrobe, try doing something or wearing something you normally wouldn’t. Switching up your fashion or your appearance has the same effect as going to a different restaurant for your weekly date night dinner with your spouse. It makes things feel fresh, new, and exciting all of a sudden.

With that said, remember that is doesn’t have to be anything huge. Try a different shade of eyeshadow or lipstick. Pick up a pair of shoes from Target that you normally wouldn’t wear. Style your hair differently. Put a scarf around your handbag instead of your neck. Go to Charming Charlie and get some funky jewelry just for the heck of it (even if you only wear it out on girls’ night).

Your life is really just starting to get fun, don’t let your wardrobe fall behind.

Keep learning

One of the many things I love about fashion is how it translates differently from person to person and even the same person throughout different periods of their life. Have you ever looked back at pictures of younger you and thought, “what was I wearing? I thought I was so cool.” I know I have. But that’s part of the beauty of fashion. When I was in college wearing a homemade dress from upholstery material (true story) I was engaging with fashion in an entirely different way than I do now when I buy a polka dot suit from Banana Republic and wear it to meetings (also true).

Experience teaches us how to engage with fashion, but so do conventional learning methods. For example, you may have learned throughout the years what kind of jeans look best on you, but you may also read a blog post on dressing your body shape and realize what tops look best you. As your body and lifestyle change and you age, new unlimited learning opportunities open up. You don’t get dressed as a young adult and then decide that’s how you’re going to look forever, do you? No! Your appearance changes throughout your life and it reflects where you are and what you find important. As you go through tip #1 and decide who you want to be post-50, take time to expand your horizons and learn something new.

Here’s a nifty list of resources I recommend based on what you might want to learn!:

I’m not sure which I’m more excited about: the adorable Kate Spade Bon Shopper bag in Flamingo Dot or the fact that I’m giving it away to one of y’all! Eek!

I usually do one giveaway a year, and this year I’ve chosen a Kate Spade bag. Real quick, before I tell you how to style it (and how to win it!), I want to tell you WHY I love it so much.

Why this bag is awesome:

It’s so versatile. You’ll see below how good it looks with everything from sequins to sneakers.

The pattern and coloring is a modern, feminine take on an animal print (making it feel fresh and not frumpy).

It’s so roomy. You can easily put a laptop, change of clothes, or even a small dog in it!

Keep scrolling to see how to style and win the bag.

Below, you’ll see the 6 ways I’ve styled the bag and how to get each look. At the very bottom, you’ll have a chance to enter to win the bag, so make sure to scroll to the very end!

Enjoy!

Leslie

Ps. I’m not a model. So have fun laughing at my weird faces. And, just for a fun game, see how many times you can spot my dog Coco (answer at the end).

1. Office Chic

The Bon Shopper is a great way to liven up a boring workday outfit. If you’re like me and have at least 20 black dresses in your closet, raise your hand. This is the bag that is going to make those little black dresses, and all your other wardrobe essentials, a little more exciting.

The bag is big enough for a laptop, but still somewhat formal enough to wear with a power suit. It might not be appropriate in a court of law, but it does work well in your everyday office setting.

Get the look:

2. Casual Eclectic

A boxy, mockneck tee and distressed boyfriend jeans keep this look casual, while embroidered bow stockings, heels, and a mound of necklaces class up the outfit and give it personality.

I would definitely wear this outfit to a gallery opening or wine tasting. It’s visually interesting, but not crazy. I’m keeping everything pretty monochromatic so that the pink of the bag really makes a statement.

Get the look:

3. Print Possessed

I’m not going to lie. This outfit is pretty adventurous, but I love it. I’m wearing wide leg, houndstooth trousers from Tibi and an animal print dress. Yes, that actually is a mini dress and not a shirt! The hat is from Walmart (for realz) and the shoes have poms on them. There’s a lot going on here, but because of the tight color scheme and different size prints, it all works.

Did you know? Animal prints are one of the top 8 trends for Fall 2018. Click here to see the other 7.

Playing with volume has got to be one of my all-time favorite things to do.

Get the look:

Btw- for whatever reason, houndstooth and plaid do not like digital screens so those prints will always look a little wonky on computer screens. If anyone knows why this is (or even better, how to prevent it) let a sista know!

4. Classically Inclined

This is a typical Fall/Winter outfit for me: cashmere sweater, scarf, jeans, and riding boots. Because the pink of the bag is subtle (it can actually look like a bone color), it goes just as well with black as it does brown. I could easily have on brown riding boots for this outfit. It’s hard to tell in this photo, but the scarf actually has a lot of the same light pink in it which gives the outfit color and ties it back to the bag.

Did you know?: Fuschia pink, wine/oxblood red, and blush pink (like the color of the bag) all look good with each other- just as long as you ground them in neutrals!

Get the look:

5. Funky Formal

You literally can’t make a bad outfit with this skirt. Sequins, much like animal print, can act like a neutral. Once again though, it’s a good idea to keep your color palette tight when you’re mixing lots of prints and textures.

Get the look:

6. Spin Chic

Let’s be honest, I don’t actually go to spin classes. I do, however, know how to rock the athleisure trend. Isn’t it so cool how this bag looks just as good with yoga pants as it does a little black dress?

Get the look:

And finally, the moment you’ve been waiting for! Simply enter your email in the form below to win the Kate Spade Bon Shopper from this blog post.

Did you count the Coco’s? How many did you find? (Answer: Coco was in three pictures including the one above)

I love Halloween, but to be honest, I’m not always great about planning out my costume in advance. Most of the time, I don’t even really know what I’m doing until the day of Halloween or associated party.

So, in honor of all you other ladies that procrastinate your costumes as I do, I’m presenting you with 5 easy Halloween costume ideas that you can make from clothes already in your closet.

And in case you don’t own some of these items, I’ll give you options below the pictures. Who says Halloween can’t be an excuse to buy new clothes?

Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click on a link, I may get a small payout with no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!

1. Goldilocks

This costume is great looking and made from classic pieces- like a white shirt and colorful dress. Chances are, you have both in your closet.

Quick hint: Bear costumes are easy to make! Simply get a brown hoodie and attach paper construction ears to the hood.

2. Airline Attendants/Pilots

After I drew this picture, I realized that this outfit could fit for both a flight attendant or a pilot. You can use any color suit or scarf you want; every airline has their own colors. Need a cute idea for a spouse or child? Try dressing them up like peanuts, coke, birds, clouds, or an airplane.

Once again, this costume is made from really classic pieces! If you’re struggling to know what basics you need in your wardrobe, this makes it super easy.

3. Farmer

One of my favorite parts about the farmer outfit is that it is little kid- thus school- friendly making it a great option for teachers. If you are a teacher to small ones, you’ll love this style e-book; it contains a full wardrobe and 12 weeks of workday outfit ideas!

This would be particularly cute if you had a bunch of kids dressed up as farm animals. The cow kid costume above is made from a white t-shirt and black construction paper dots. A headband with construction paper ears tops off the outfit.

4 & 5. Mime & Breakfast at Tiffany’s (Audrey Hepburn)

Mime (left). Maybe it’s the francophile in me, but I’m a total sucker for the mime costume. The makeup is also super easy: cover your face in white powder (baby powder works) and then use black eyeliner to draw a triangle under each eye. Done!

Audrey Hepburn from Breakfast at Tiffany’s (right). Such an easy and classic look! Don a black boatneck dress (or skirt and top), add pearls, big sunglasses, and a topknot and you’re ready.